1. Investigating Learner Autonomy in a Virtual EFL Classroom Jo Mynard Research in ELT Conference Bangkok, April 2003 This presentation will probably involve audience discussion, which will create action items. Use PowerPoint to keep track of these action items during your presentation In Slide Show, click on the right mouse button Select “Meeting Minder” Select the “Action Items” tab Type in action items as they come up Click OK to dismiss this box This will automatically create an Action Item slide at the end of your presentation with your points entered.

2. Overview of Presentation Background information Brief literature review Research approach Data collection Data analysis Results Conclusions

3. Context Institution Learners Purpose of the study

4. Brief Literature Review Learner autonomy Computer-mediated communication

5. Research Approach Research methodology Grounded theory Research question: To what extent does computer-mediated communication facilitate the development of learner autonomy in a class of first year Emirati female university students?

6. Participants Opportunistic sample Ten first year foundation students Intermediate level of English Academic reading and Writing Competent computer users Not particularly autonomous

7. Data Collection Methods Questionnaires Interviews Participant observation Examination of chat transcript Artifacts

8. Data Analysis Transcribing Concept coding Open coding Axial coding External validation

9. Results 1.Students ’ perceptions of the activity 2.How participants managed and organized the learning activity 3.How participants demonstrated awareness of their learning

10. Limitations and Conclusions Longer period of time Likelihood of influencing the students Potential bias Grounded theory as an approach to investigating unique contexts

11. Thank you for listening! This presentation will probably involve audience discussion, which will create action items. Use PowerPoint to keep track of these action items during your presentation In Slide Show, click on the right mouse button Select “Meeting Minder” Select the “Action Items” tab Type in action items as they come up Click OK to dismiss this box This will automatically create an Action Item slide at the end of your presentation with your points entered.